HOSPITAL bosses are being criticised for ordering staff to pay their own taxi fares to work over Christmas and New Year.

Hundreds of nurses and other workers at Newcastle's three main hospitals have traditionally had taxis provided for them if they worked on Christmas Day, Boxing Day or New Year's Day because public transport is limited, or not running.

But this year, Newcastle Hospitals NHS Trust said staff would have to pay half the travel cost - and pay the full cost next year.

A Royal College of Nurses spokeswoman said: "We are very disappointed, particularly as nurses are putting their Christmas and New Year on hold to care for patients.

"As public transport is not available it will put them at a real disadvantage.

"For low-paid nurses to subsidise the trust seems very unfair."

One nurse, who did not want to be named, said: "I think it's outrageous. Most of the people involved are on relatively low incomes.

"It is like having to pay for the privilege of coming into work over Christmas and New Year. It's a slap in the face."

Hospital bosses said their decision was taken because a number of taxis booked and paid for last Christmas and New Year were not used.

Newcastle Hospitals NHS Trust chief executive Len Fenwick said: "Given the trust's financial position this year, combined with rising costs, there is a need to take a new approach.

"The arrangements for this year have been discussed within the trust, including staff representatives. Any member of staff who is concerned about the impact of these arrangements can have their particular circumstances considered."

Nurses and other workers will still be paid double time for working on Christmas Day and New Year's Day.